For the last 5 years, I have had a TV series on TNN. I write, host & produce. I shoot on mostly DVCAM, DSR-300 and DSR-PD150 cameras but have taken the XL1 to Africa, Alaska and Australia.
I edit on an Avid 9000.

In 2003, I launch 3 additional series.

If you'd like to see a good example of what this gear can do on a limited budget just tune in.

I've seen the show...you do a great job. Congratulations also on the values and activities you and your program promote.

I have an outdoor show as well. It's seen on broadcast stations here in Michigan and nationally on The Outdoor Channel (I know, TOC gets lots of criticism for the quality of some shows, but I can't seem to generate the cash required for air on the bigger outlets).

Years ago we used to shoot my show on MII (Panasonic's professional format at the time, roughly equivalent in quality, size and price to beta sp).

When DVC Pro became an accepted format we switched over to that for acquisition. The quality was good and the cameras were much cheaper, but still a little big to haul around the woods or up into a treestand.

Then we got an XL1 which I liked, but couldn't get used to the standard lens. Like many others I had focus problems that drove me crazy. I was ready to give up on mini dv, thinking it was strictly a prosumer format.

That concept changed when I bought a 16x manual lens. I'm very happy that piece of equipment and now use the XL1 for almost everything.

In my opinion the mini dv format has proven itself to be "broadcast quality". I've sent out hundreds of shows shot with that format and not one person has made a negative comment about quality. In fact, just the opposite, we hear how good the show looks.

Now we're even thinking of getting one of the new GL2's for some of the especially tough shoots.

The best part of our first year on air, was that the network folks were still in the, "if it's not shot on betaSP, it's not broadcast quaility", age. So, being on the limited budget that we all deal with, I'd shoot the fooatge on the XL1, bump it to betaSP and then take it down to the studio and have everyone in the room amazed at the incredible footage I brought back from the field.

I do need some decent advance notice though....
We are currently shooting for a project, and have a lodge promotional video to shoot before it freezes up, which will happen at the end of August or sometime in September.

Also, we are currently scheduled to shoot a project in New Zealand the last week in Feb. to the first week in March of 2003.

I actually have a "real job" where I work 40+ hours a week.
That's mostly the reason for decent advanced notice on shoots.

I also have, or have access to 4 wheelers and snowmachines, and am building a small cabin right on the Kashwitna river just south of Talkeetna that should be finished this winter or early spring of next year. The cabin is on the road system ~5 miles off the Parks highwway as an FYI.

Rob...No, I haven't had an issue with the networks but, you do need to be careful in post. The "new & improved" , modern, major networks have converted to computer servers instead of a good old fashion tech putting a tape in a machine and hittin' play.
The server compresses the footage, and then if the network goes through Direct TV or Dish Network, it's compressed again. That makes your hard work in the field look like you shot on VHS!

To those who have been following this thread, you may notice some missing posts. For anyone concerned about that, I will refer you to the FAQ (link at top of page) which clearly states that the discussion of sensitive political issues has no place in this forum. Our community is an arena for *technical and creative* discussions only. Program content, whether it is about hunting or gay rights activism or whatever, is not open for debate. Please take those issues to private e-mail instead. Thanks,